Just had a weird email! Please help

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I got an email from myself with my full name written on and my email address. It said “hello pervert….” And said it’s downloaded a spyware called Pegasus and will send a video of me to all my contacts! I kind of know it’s fake as I’m very boring and do nothing dodgy but I’m a little worried as I carry my phone everywhere with me such as in the bathroom, in bed etc. is this real? I’m doubting as it went into my VIP list and had my full name on it! Shall I start deleting my contacts?

No, just ignore and delete it, its bullshit. Don't click on any attachments in it.

DH and I have both had this. Just delete it. It’s a scam.

But how comes it has my real name in the from bit?

It's a scam.

Google "Pegasus Email scam"

Scam

But how does it know my name? My name is not in my email address

I had the same email. It freaked me out a bit too.
I just deleted it, though.

Because your name is linked to your e-mail account.

Just delete it.

It's 100% a scam. The scammer found your name and email on a list they bought from a business who sold your details, most likely. Mark it as spam and ignore. Nothing to worry about. Don't click any links.

www.theguardian.com/money/2025/may/11/hello-pervert-sextortion-scam-video-email-hacked

Have you ever ordered or signed up to anything online where you give your real name and email? If so, this information is really easily available on the web.

I’ve had it too, utter nonsense, delete and block

It knows your name because your details have been leaked from any given website that your signed up to.

This is how scammers work. They purchases the leaked information in bulk and then send out their emails to the addresses given with the names attached to them as well and see who bites.

Thank you everyone! I was so scared. I hate these bloody idiots. Life is getting so scary now

It’s a scam. Block and delete, I’ve had this more than once and they have never sent any videos to anyone.

Mine asked for payment in Bitcoin. Police weren't interested.

Well known scam. Delete and block.

whst did muddyford write before it was deleted?

Delete and maybe change your password

Extremely common scam.

Block and delete.

Look up spoofing, it's pretty basic and it's how they mimic your name.

Check your sent folder, there will be no dodgy email.

Oh the comment is back, not sure why it said “hidden while we look into it”

I would guess every single person with an email address has had one of these.

OP, @muddyford ’s post hasn’t been deleted.

Really good idea! If it did come from my account it would be there. It’s not. Thanks

I’ve had it and so have many of my friends.